1996 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Premiere Cuvee'
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc
1996 was a challenging vintage - the wines are more severe in style. But now 12 years later (when we are releasing it)the wine is absolutely ready to give some pleasure. The aromas are delightful, very complex, they open with lots of berry fruit and sweet spices like cinnamon and cardamon, fragrant woods. A grapey side to it indicated that the grapes were selected from some of our finest microclimates and also barrel selection. On the pallet, upfront the wine has a nice richness of good ripe fruit: mulberry and blackberry. A medium-plus bodied wine. This wine will keep evolving in your glass - which is the sign of a really good wine.
Awards
The blend in the Renaissance Premier Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon 1996, North Yuba, Sierra Foothills, is 77 percent cabernet sauvignon, 12 percent merlot, 11 percent cabernet franc; the alcohol level is an eminently sane 12.6 percent. This smooth, mellow but rigorously structured cabernet opens with classic and seductive scents of black pepper, licorice, black cherry and cedar. The wine spent two years in — you have to admire this forthright expression — “old oak barrels,” of German, French and American origin, so the effect of the wood is engaging shapeliness and suppleness, while grenadier-like acidity keeps a keen eye on appealing vibrancy and vitality. In the mouth, flavors of plums and dried red and black currants are packed with potpourri and dried spice and a hint of an earthy, granite-like minerality that expands into the slightly austere finish. 380 cases produced. Now through 2016 to ‘18. Excellent. About $45.
Cabernet Sauvignon 'Premiere Cuvee' Wine Information
Awards for all vintages of this wine